Donald Trump informs Mahmoud Abbas of intention to move US Embassy to Jerusalem

Donald Trump has informed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas of his intention to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem - a move which is likely to further inflame tension in the Middle East.

Trump informed Abbas via a telephone call, according to Palestinian sources. No date has yet been set for the relocation.

Israeli Arab journalist Khaled Abu Toameh claims Abbas warned Trump of the consequences of this decision, but the US strongman plans to go ahead regardless.

BREAKING: ABBAS received a phone call from TRUMP. ABBAS warned TRUMP of the grave repercussions of moving US embassy to Jerusalem on peace process and stability in the region and world. ABBAS: No Palestinian state without E. Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is a site of huge religious significance for both Israelis and Palestinians, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem's Old City, is regarded as the third-holiest site in Islam.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, which contains the Al-Aqsa compound, in the war of 1967 but this occupation is considered illegal under international law. Palestinian campaigners have long stated that Jerusalem is the capital of their territory and sought to win it back.

Trump's decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem will only increase Palestinian suspicions that he is on the side of the Israelis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly backed Trump and several campaign offices were set up to promote the Republican billionaire in the 2016 general election, including a branch in the West Bank.

The move has brought a heated reaction in the international community, with Saudi Arabia describing it as a "very serious issue."